Painter Marilyn Laidlaw returns to the Spotlight Gallery
An interview with the artist by Ricarda McFalls
This June, OLT patrons can once again appreciate the works of fellow-patron and avid painter Marilyn Laidlaw, who returns to the Spotlight Gallery with her latest collection of paintings.
Born in Hull, raised in Montreal, Marilyn has been at home in Ottawa since earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Carleton University, as well as a subsequent graduate degree from University of Ottawa. She enjoyed a diverse and expansive professional career adjacent to her studies in health administration before taking a serious plunge into the visual arts upon retirement. After experimenting with a range of media, Marilyn found her passion in working with oil and acrylic painting. Last interviewed by Albert Lightstone in 2023 when she exhibited her work during the show Around the World in 80 Days, I recently caught up with Marilyn to learn about her inspiration and the paintings she is displaying this year during 37 Postcards.
Many of us aspire to discover or pursue a hidden passion in retirement, but the motivation does not always stick. By contrast, you really have embraced painting fully. What inspired you to stick with it? Was there a class or teacher along the way who played a critical role?
Once I started to paint, I enjoyed it so much I never thought of quitting. Lately, I have been spending more time sketching, which requires a minimum of supplies and gets me outdoors.
Having a special teacher also provided an excellent foundation. Val Roos, who taught for many years at the Heron Centre and privately, was my teacher for 20 years. I had others as well, but no one came close to her. She was a wonderful artist and inspired all her students in whatever media they chose. She died a few years ago and I as well as many others miss her to this day.
You spent 10 years as a docent at the National Gallery. In what way did this experience influence your own painting?
Being a docent at the National Gallery was like working towards an undergraduate degree in art. The docents were given lectures on the different facets of art, as well as drawing classes for those who were interested in that. We were also required to prepare regular presentations to the other docents on works of our choosing.
Tell us about the new paintings you are exhibiting this time.
I am attracted to a wide range of themes – from nature to buildings and inanimate objects, which will be on exhibit. This time, I will also be showing a few of my more abstract paintings emerging from what I call “My COVID collection”. One day during COVID, I saw an interesting shadow on the wall and set out to paint it, resulting in a series of these abstract works. I have always been attracted to shapes, and this is reflected in these paintings and several others painted since COVID.
What’s your favorite piece of art currently on display?
If I must choose, then I would say the Swan painting is my favourite in that it gives me a feeling of peace and serenity – and, because they are such beautiful birds.
What is your connection with OLT?
As a long-time subscriber, attending such wonderful plays and browsing the Gallery during intermission has always brought me a lot of pleasure. When I was first invited by Venetia to have my own exhibition at the Spotlight Gallery, I was so thrilled, and I am just as excited today to be asked back as I was the first time! With its recent renovation, the Gallery looks better than ever!
